On a pitch dark night on January 7, 2024, the Indian Air Force (IAF) flew past a landmark achievement as an IAF pilot, after months of training, landed a C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlift/ transport aircraft at the Kargil airfield. With its unidirectional approach-surrounded by hills 14,000-15,000 feet ON high, with limited manoeuvrability and reduced engine efficiency and short length of only 6,000 metres (as opposed to a normal one of 9,000 m), the airfield is a challenging place to land for aviators in daylight and good weather. To do so at night is notoriously tough.
The feat is a testament to the superior skill and training of India's military aviators. "You are landing close to the LoC (just 12 km away) and at an ALG (advanced landing ground) that is very short and challenging because of the altitude and the surrounding mountains," says a senior Air Marshal at the IAF headquarters in New Delhi's Vayu Bhawan. The pilot has to get inside the valley, manoeuvre the aircraft and then land. "If it is cloudy, he doesn't even have visual contact on his approach till he gets beneath the clouds."
However, the significance of the landing goes far beyond than the deserved laurel of a milestone: it shows the increasing capability of the armed forces to operate all-weather operations with large transport aircraft through the day and night at such ALGs in close proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) facing China. Couple the Kargil night landing with the fact that similar IAF aircraft regularly land at the world's highest airstrip at Daulat Beg Oldie near the LAC in eastern Ladakh, just 17 km away from the strategic Karakoram pass, and a clear message goes out to our two hostile neighbours-the Indian military is battle-ready and can deploy significant numbers of men and equipment quickly in response to any situation.
Bu hikaye India Today dergisinin March 11, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye India Today dergisinin March 11, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
WEAVE A STORY
Saree plays muse and material in this modern iteration
SIMPLE LIVING
Spatial planning meets spirituality, and up-cyling meets unconventional design practices, in this Gurgaon home
HARMONY IN DESIGN
Using principles of vaastu coupled with a creative interplay of open and closed spaces, this home in Vadodara is a welcome sight
THE NEW ECO CHIC
This home in Kerala is designed on the principles of climate responsive architecture
Crafting a New Look
A look at five festive artistic finds from Jaipur to brighten your celebrations
NAMES TO KNOW
From homes and offices to banquets and hotels, these architects and designers' approach to design is paving the way for some exciting spaces
CHIC AND COSY
Let your indoor winter wonderland revel in bold bedding, quilted beauties and charming cushions
STEP INTO STYLE
This winter, international collaborations are lending the Indian carpet industry a unique look underfoot
DECK THE HALLS
With this festive array of accessories, cushions and X'mas-themed decoratives
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Looking for Christmas inspiration? Here are plenty of ideas to steal and products to make it come to life.